My mother began talking so quickly her words blurred together.
“You had no right to make a decision like that without consulting this family!”
I almost admired the absurdity.
“You cancelled my children’s vacation without consulting me.”
“That was different!”
“How?”
“Because Vanessa and Derek needed it!”
“And Maya and Grace didn’t?”
“They’re five! They wouldn’t even remember Tahiti!”
I went completely still.
There it was.
Not remorse.
Not an apology.
Not even embarrassment.
Just justification.
“You’re right about one thing,” I said.
“What?”
“They may not remember Tahiti.”
I looked through the glass doors at my daughters.
“But I will always remember what you were willing to do to them.”
My mother lowered her voice.
That was always more dangerous than screaming.
“Listen carefully. Whatever tantrum you’re having, end it. Call these people and reverse the sale.”
“No.”
“I am your mother.”
“Yes.”
